SINGAPORE – Founder of City Harvest Church, Kong Hee, has released a statement on the charges brought against him. The following is his statement in full.

“The Prosecution has brought 3 charges against me, which I have carefully considered with my lawyers.

“I do maintain my integrity, and will rigorously defend that integrity against these charges.

“I have and will continue to place my faith and trust in our judicial system. I will explain the facts and circumstances to the Court, and am confident that I will be vindicated.

“Sun and I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for all the people who have blessed us with their love, kindness and prayers during this challenging period of time. We have been tremendously humbled by the support and encouragement from the public, family and friends. We especially thank all those from City Harvest Church and the Christian community at large. They have been a constant source of strength.

“I respect the Court proceedings which are underway, and will not make any comment about the charges until the appropriate time and forum.”

From as early as 7.30am Wednesday, City Harvest Church supporters gathered at the carpark outside the Subordinate Courts.

They began to stream into the court at around 8am.

The court session lasted all of 15 minutes and every minute was filled with tension.

Supporters of the church packed the public gallery within minutes of the courtroom opening, while people from the media and the defence lawyers of the six accused persons filled the other half of the courtroom.

Kong Hee is represented by Mr Edwin Tong, while the rest have engaged senior counsel.

During the session, prosecution and defence came to agreement that the next mention will be 5 weeks later, on 30 August, so that all cases can be brought up at the same time.